Culture
Malaysia is home to many ethnic groups, each co-existing in harmony and helping to enrich the country's cultural lifestyle. Its collective blend of food, traditions, clothing and customs ensure there is much for the visitor to experience here. Local cuisines can range from hot and spicy Indian and exotic Mediterranean to Western and popular Chinese dishes.
The multiculturalism has not only made a gastronomical paradise, it’s also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colorful festivities. Malaysians love celebrating, and socializing too in fact, where their laid back, warm and friendly mannerisms make them as approachable as you can imagine.
Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. Cool hideaways can be found in the highlands, while those who have a sunnier disposition will be able to kick back and chill at warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves. Malay Today, the Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up more than 50% of the population. In Malaysia, the term Malay refers to a person who practices Islam and Malay traditions, speaks the Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays. Their conversion to Islam from Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism began in the 1400s, largely influenced by the decision of the royal court of Melaka. The Malays are known for their gentle mannerisms and rich arts heritage. Chinese The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form about 25% of the population. Mostly descendants of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century, the Chinese are known for their diligence and keen business sense. The three sub-groups who speak a different dialect of the Chinese language are the Hokkien who live predominantly on the northern island of Penang; the Cantonese who live predominantly in the capital city Kuala Lumpur; and the Mandarin-speaking group who live predominantly in the southern state of Johor. Indian The smallest of three main ethnic groups, the Malaysian Indians form about 10% of the population. Most are descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indian immigrants who came to the country during the British colonial rule. Lured by the prospect of breaking out of the Indian caste system, they came to Malaysia to build a better life. Predominantly Hindus, they brought with them their colorful culture such as ornate temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees. |
The multiculturalism has not only made a gastronomical paradise, it’s also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colorful festivities. Malaysians love celebrating, and socializing too in fact, where their laid back, warm and friendly mannerisms make them as approachable as you can imagine.
Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. Cool hideaways can be found in the highlands, while those who have a sunnier disposition will be able to kick back and chill at warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.
Malay
Today, the Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up more than 50% of the population. In Malaysia, the term Malay refers to a person who practices Islam and Malay traditions, speaks the Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays. Their conversion to Islam from Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism began in the 1400s, largely influenced by the decision of the royal court of Melaka. The Malays are known for their gentle mannerisms and rich arts heritage.
Chinese
The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form about 25% of the population. Mostly descendants of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century, the Chinese are known for their diligence and keen business sense. The three sub-groups who speak a different dialect of the Chinese language are the Hokkien who live predominantly on the northern island of Penang; the Cantonese who live predominantly in the capital city Kuala Lumpur; and the Mandarin-speaking group who live predominantly in the southern state of Johor.
Indian
The smallest of three main ethnic groups, the Malaysian Indians form about 10% of the population. Most are descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indian immigrants who came to the country during the British colonial rule. Lured by the prospect of breaking out of the Indian caste system, they came to Malaysia to build a better life. Predominantly Hindus, they brought with them their colorful culture such as ornate temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees.
Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. Cool hideaways can be found in the highlands, while those who have a sunnier disposition will be able to kick back and chill at warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.
Malay
Today, the Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up more than 50% of the population. In Malaysia, the term Malay refers to a person who practices Islam and Malay traditions, speaks the Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays. Their conversion to Islam from Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism began in the 1400s, largely influenced by the decision of the royal court of Melaka. The Malays are known for their gentle mannerisms and rich arts heritage.
Chinese
The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form about 25% of the population. Mostly descendants of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century, the Chinese are known for their diligence and keen business sense. The three sub-groups who speak a different dialect of the Chinese language are the Hokkien who live predominantly on the northern island of Penang; the Cantonese who live predominantly in the capital city Kuala Lumpur; and the Mandarin-speaking group who live predominantly in the southern state of Johor.
Indian
The smallest of three main ethnic groups, the Malaysian Indians form about 10% of the population. Most are descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indian immigrants who came to the country during the British colonial rule. Lured by the prospect of breaking out of the Indian caste system, they came to Malaysia to build a better life. Predominantly Hindus, they brought with them their colorful culture such as ornate temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees.
Food
Malaysia has often been described as heaven for food lovers both local and abroad. The cuisine reflects the country’s multi-ethnic population where the signature dishes of various ethnic groups have soared to even greater heights thanks to the multiple ethnic influences that are uniquely Malaysian. The three main ethnic groups—Malay, Chinese and Indian—provide most Malaysians and tourists with their fill but for food connoisseurs, they can also choose from a number of different styles as well such as Western, Nyonya, Portuguese, Thai and more. Several international fast food chains can be found operating here as well, a perfect complement to the local food bazaars and road side stalls.
Traditional menus of the three main ethnic groups of Malaysia provide the main attractions when it comes to satisfying your taste buds.
Traditional menus of the three main ethnic groups of Malaysia provide the main attractions when it comes to satisfying your taste buds.
Malay
Malay food is often times described as spicy and flavourful as it utilizes a rich mixture of spices and herbs. Malay dishes can be distinguished into a few methods of cooking namely masak merah (tomato sauce), masak lemak (coconut milk), masak asam (sour-ish tamarind) and masak pedas (spicy). Some of the popular dishes that you wouldn’t want to miss include nasi lemak (coconut milk steamed rice), sambal belacan (shrimp paste with pounded chillies), beef rendang (dried beef curry), satay (barbecued skewered meat) and serunding (meat floss).
Chinese
Chinese food in Malaysia is derived from mainland Chinese cuisine but has been influenced by local ingredients and dishes from other cultures in Malaysia though it remains distinctly Chinese. Popular dishes among locals and tourists alike include dim sum, sweet and sour dishes, char siew (sweet barbecued pork) and bak kut teh (herbal soup).
Indian
Popular for their curries, banana leaf rice and breads such as chapati, naan and roti (called prata in some countries), Indian food has been assimilated with Malay food through mix marriages among Indians and Malays, resulting in what is locally known as mamak (Indian Muslim), which cannot be found in India itself. Mamak restaurants can be found all over Malaysia, especially in the peninsular, and can be seen populated till the wee hours of the morning by people from all walks of life.
Climate
The country is divided by the South China Sea into West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo) and lives with a year-round tropical climate where temperatures range from 21°C (70°) to 32°C (90°F). Highlands are much cooler however and can see temperatures that range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Malaysia’s climate throughout the year is hot and humid so light and thin clothing is advisable. The sunny weather is complemented by annual rainfall that varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm. The monsoon varies on the coastline of Peninsular Malaysia, resulting in the west coast experiencing its rainy season from September to December while the east coast can expect the rainy season from the months of October to February. Over in East Malaysia, heavy rain can be expected between the months of November to February, where average annual rainfall figures can hit 5080mm.
Malaysia’s climate throughout the year is hot and humid so light and thin clothing is advisable. The sunny weather is complemented by annual rainfall that varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm. The monsoon varies on the coastline of Peninsular Malaysia, resulting in the west coast experiencing its rainy season from September to December while the east coast can expect the rainy season from the months of October to February. Over in East Malaysia, heavy rain can be expected between the months of November to February, where average annual rainfall figures can hit 5080mm.
Living Expenses
The cost of living in Malaysia is exceptionally low considering that it was newly referred to as a newly industrialized country. Taxation is kept at a minimum with no inheritance tax and no capital gains on assets. The Malaysian Ringgit is currently struggling to keep up with other currencies, which is the main reason why commodities and housing are cheaper in the country. Its capital city, Kuala Lumpur, has become a sort of shopping mecca for clothes, electronics and other consumer goods. Expatriates from the United Kingdom will enjoy the very
affordable living conditions since remittances coming from other countries are not taxed.
You Can find the prices in this website. Cost Of Living in Malaysia
affordable living conditions since remittances coming from other countries are not taxed.
You Can find the prices in this website. Cost Of Living in Malaysia